Watercare has completed the first of three ‘shovel-ready’ projects in its $95 million plan to improve water services in Mt Roskill and the surrounding suburbs.
The first project ticked off the list is the Akarana booster pump station.
The booster pump station has the capacity to pump up to 200 litres of water per second into the local network – double that of the existing Hillsborough booster pump station which services the area.
The pump station will be brought into service after the Waikōwhai watermains project is completed.
Watercare and construction partner Fulton Hogan will work together to bring these two water infrastructure projects into service from early next year.
The Wesley watermain upgrade, the third shovel-ready project for Mt Roskill, will be brought into service in December 2025.
Watercare project manager Peter Kukulsky says the investment is needed as the current water infrastructure is unable to keep up with population growth.
Watercare project manager Peter Kukulsky.
“Once completed, these three infrastructure projects will enable planned growth and both social and private development to occur.
“The new infrastructure will also improve the resiliency of the network for those who already live, work and play in the area.”
Kukulsky says by the time the Waikōwhai watermain replacement and Wesley works are complete, Watercare would have installed just over 10 kilometres of new pipeline.
“Both pipelines are being built with larger pipes, ranging from 125mm to 558mm in diameter in order to take full advantage of the extra water that will be pumped through the Akarana booster pump station.”
Kukulsky says every opportunity is being taken to reduce carbon emissions on all three infrastructure projects.
“For instance, recycling 80 per cent of the asphalt excavated during the construction of the new pipeline will help to save about 73 tonnes of carbon emissions going into the atmosphere.
"We also estimate the solar-powered cabins we're using at our project sites will help to reduce our carbon emissions by a further 6.5 tonnes each year.”
Kukulsky says Watercare is currently continuing work on the Waikōwhai pipeline on Dominion Road, Dominion Road Extension and Olsen Ave.
“Concurrently, our crews are carrying out the Wesley upgrades on Farrelly Avenue between Parkinson Ave and Denize Ave.
“We'd like to thank commuters and residents as we progress these three critical water infrastructure projects.”
